Collapsible Cone

ABSTRACT

This invention provides a collapsible cone comprising a series of concentric rings that can be pulled up from the center and “snapped” ring by ring into place thus forming a cone shape. In An embodiment, each ring has a groove circumnavigating its top and a ridge circumnavigating its bottom so the ridge of one ring snaps into the groove of the next ring, lending stability to the device when erected.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This patent application claims priority under 35 USC 119 (e) (1) from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/766,814 filed Feb. 20, 2013, of common inventorship herewith entitled, “Collapsible Cone.”

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to a collapsible cone and, more particularly, the invention relates to a collapsible cone comprising a series of concentric rings that can be pulled up from the center and “snapped” ring by ring into place thus forming a cone shape.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

With the deterioration of the nation's streets and highways, road construction and maintenance have become important components of an area's public works scheme. Highway maintenance and construction jobs, however, are among the most dangerous for local government employees. In fact, in each of the past four years, about 775 people were killed in highway work zones, according to the Washington, D.C.-based National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A majority of those accidents occurred at night, when many crews do most of their work to avoid disrupting daytime traffic, and most were the result of excessive speeding or inattention by motorists. Figures from NHTSA and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) also show about 24,000 injury crashes annually in work zones. In their diligent efforts to avoid these tragedies, road crews erect numerous warning signs either peppered with flashing lights or painted with reflective colors and letters. Unfortunately, a speeding driver may not spot these signs in a sufficient amount of time to successfully slow their vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views illustrating a collapsible cone, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a cone of the present invention in its upright position and the weighted base which lends stability to the device.

FIG. 2 shows the collapsible cone of the present invention in its collapsed configuration showing the concentric rings surrounded by the weighted base.

FIG. 3 shows a ring of the collapsible cone of the present invention showing the groove near the upper edge of the ring and a ridge near the lower portion of the ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the present invention is a collapsible cone is a coiled or ringed form that can be pulled up from the center and “snapped” ring by ring into place thus forming a cone shape.

The collapsible cone of the present invention comprises of a series of concentric rings 24 of decreasing circumference all situated in a weighted base 22 ring so that the device can be pulled up from the center and the rings snapped into place.

In an embodiment, the rings are constructed of a flexible plastic material so that the rings form a friction fit to secure the rings of the cone configuration to each other.

In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 3, each ring has a ridge or bump 32 circumnavigating its bottom edge and a groove 34 circumnavigating its upper edge, so that the ridge of one ring fits into the groove of the next ring so that the rings can snap into place and fit securely together when the center is lifted up.

In a further alternative embodiment the collapsible cone of the present invention comprises a single piece of cone-shaped plastic material having alternating rings of thick and think material, so the cone collapses on itself when pushed down, and snaps into place when pulled up. This configuration comprises a series of accordion pleats around its circumference molded into sides of the cone. The accordion pleats can be created in a variety of ways. One method of creating the accordion pleats is to sequentially vary the thickness of the polymer material creating rings of greater and lesser thickness to accommodate collapsing the cone. Another method to create accordion pleats is to cut an undulating pattern into the mold for producing the cone.

The collapsible cone of the present invention is snapped into place at the desired height and it may be extended as high as six (6′) feet. The collapsible cone is constructed of a durable plastic material. The base of the cone is a heavier than the rest of the cone and the base prevents it from tipping over. When it is in a flat position, the cones can be stacked on top of each other.

Use of the collapsible cone of the present invention is very simple and straightforward. Determining a safe distance from the work zone, road crews simply position several cones along the work zone's perimeter; for better safety, several units could be spread apart at even intervals along the road, to ensure that motorists are warned even sooner. As a motorist approaches, he or she is able to easily see the large cones, and is able to slow considerably. The motorist can then pass through the work zone at a speed that is more acceptable to the conditions. After use, the collapsible cone is simply collapsed, removed from the highway, and stored away until needed again.

There are several significant benefits and advantages associated with the collapsible cone of the present invention. Foremost, the collapsible cone provides an efficient, cost-effective, and safe traffic environment wherever excessive speed and safety is a concern. Preventing injuries and potential loss of life of road crews due to speed related accidents in work zones, the collapsible cone also keeps drivers safe from harm, effectively reducing possible rear-end collisions between motorists as well as crashes into barrier walls. As standard cones are easily missed and driven over, this product ensures safety for all. Aspects of the collapsible cone's design offer additional advantages. Durably constructed and easy to use, the cone can be quickly expanded in any type of weather, and will not deform during hot summer days. Fully portable and reusable, the collapsible cone eliminates the need to waste more permanent materials like asphalt and concrete to make temporary constructs.

The collapsible cone of the present invention was created with the personal safety of road construction crews, and motorists, foremost in mind. Made of high quality materials, the collapsible cone will withstand years of continued use. The various local and state departments of transportation and roadway contractors will find the affordable collapsible cone to be especially beneficial since it would be readily adaptable to virtually any work area and hazard situations.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein. 

1. A collapsible cone device comprising a series of concentric rings of decreasing circumference situated in a weighted base ring so that the cone can be pulled up from the center and the rings snapped into place, thereby forming a cone.
 2. The collapsible cone device of claim 1 wherein the rings are constructed of a flexible plastic material so that the rings form a friction fit to secure the rings to each other.
 3. The collapsible cone device of claim 1 wherein each ring further comprises a ridge or bump circumnavigating the ring near the bottom edge of the ring and a groove circumnavigating the ring near its upper edge, so that the ridge of one ring fits into the groove of the next ring so that the rings can snap into place and fit securely together when the center is lifted up.
 4. The collapsible cone device of claim 3 wherein the rings are constructed of a flexible plastic material so that the rings form a friction fit to secure the rings to each other.
 5. A collapsible cone device comprising a single piece of cone-shaped plastic material having alternating rings of thick and think material, so the cone collapses on itself when pushed down, and snaps into place when pulled up.
 6. The collapsible cone device of claim 5 wherein the material of alternating thick and thin rings comprise a series of accordion pleats around the circumference molded into sides of the cone. 